As we streamed through the front gates of the Wells Fargo Pavillion, my 9-year-old daughter and I were giddy with anticipation for the opening performance of Music Circus’ Seussical. The welcoming courtyard with fountain added just the right ambiance to assure us that we were going to have a wonderful time.

Once seated, we noticed the stage set up was simple, yet impressive; there was a giant red and white striped Cat in the Hat hat, placed in the center of the round stage. As soon as the show started, you were quickly drawn into the whimsical world of all your favorite Dr. Seuss characters. The main theme for Seussical is “a person’s a person no matter how small,” but there are many, many other familiar messages hidden throughout the show as well. My daughter loved the story line; she was especially impressed when Horton the Elephant saved the Who’s in the end of the play. Young actor Josh Davis and his wonderful voice were truly impressive.

Josh Davis as JoJo. Photo by Kevin Graft.

While this was not the first time we’ve seen Seussical, we were delighted to see that Music Circus had added a few embellishments of its own to the musical. Having the moving stage in the middle of the room, like a circus arena, made the performance very intimate and gave everyone in the audience a great view of the stage.

All in all, Seussical is a whimsically fun treat for people of all ages. Seeing audience members from ages 4 to 84 reminded me that Dr. Seuss’ stories are just as relevant today as they were when first published.

Seussical takes over the Wells Fargo Pavilion through July 17. For tickets and showtimes, visit the musical’s listing on Sacramento365.

Note: If you and your little one are planning to snack, head to the concession stands before the show (treats are welcome inside the theater during performances.) The 20-minute intermission gives you enough time to stand in line to purchase food, or run to the restroom, but probably not both.

This blog post was written by Sacramento Kids contributor Ida Christian.

This 2nd Saturday is going to be packed with great art, music, and tasty treats! Join me on my jaunt around town to some of the art exhibits and events that I’m most excited for this July!

Bare Earth:
My first stop of the day will be at the Elliot Fouts Gallery to check out Micah Crandall-Bear’s latest exhibit, Telluric. Stripping down the details and focusing on colors palettes, this exhibition features a series of abstract landscapes, making you rethink the fine art form. Afterwards, I’ll jet over to Ginger Elizabeth to snag one of their delicious ice cream sundaes (limited supply, be sure to get there early!).

Photo courtesy of Micah Crandall-Bear

Bright and Sunny:
My next stop of the day will be at the Tim Collom Gallery to check out their exhibit, simply titled, Summer. Through a variety of mediums, 17 Northern Californian artists will show off works that define what the season is truly about. After scoping out a slice of summer, I’ll head over to Sawasdee to cool off with a Thai iced tea and some Tom Kha.

Photo courtesy of the Tim Collom Gallery and Cindy Wilson

Chaos of the Streets:
My yearning for midday coffee will lead me to Shine and Anthony Anderson’sStreet Squares. Each piece in this collection is an abstract compilation of building texture/decay, graffiti, and the miscellaneous items you’d find on the street. Sandra Dee’s is just a block away, offering soul food and its famous House Lemonade.

This month is loaded with fun sports happenings in the heat. Luckily for you, I’ve rounded up the best events in this month’s Sports365! Whether you want to see our country’s top young athletes, do some tailgating, stretch out, or take a moonlit ride, Sacramento has got you covered!

Sacramento will host the 50th Annual Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships at the end of the month from July 25-31 at Sacramento State. This event has hosted many of America’s past Olympians and maybe even a few who should be competing in Rio this summer.

Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Sports Commission

Only the best-of-the-best young athletes, ages 7-18, are invited to participate, so you’ll get a chance to see world-class athletes growing into their potential.

Hurdles, shot put, long jump, and more; what more could you ask for? Whether you don’t know a thing about track and field or you’re a relay running fiend, there’s something for everyone. This weekend will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy great performances, nice weather, newly renovated facilities, and a great community of fans and family.

Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Sports Commission

If you want to get more involved in the championships, but weren’t invited to compete (or are just too old like me) then make sure to join the Sac Event Crew. This dedicated group of volunteers will get up and close to the action and make sure that the events run smoothly.

Party, Play, and Philanthropy:
If the track and field championships are too competitive for you, then check out these more lighthearted events.

Sacramento PRO Rugby Tailgate Woodlake Park July 9
Nothing goes better with sports than a great party! This is your chance to join the first official Sacramento Express tailgate and score discount tickets to the game!

Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Express

The Beer Yogis Yolo Brewing Co. July 21
I’ve always wanted to get into yoga, but never quite had the guts to try it out. Now, I’ve got the chance to partake in a little liquid courage while working on my flexibility. Sounds perfect!

Photo courtesy of the Beer Yogis

Lunar Lunacy Capitol Mall Greens July 23
Riding your bike is always fun, but cruising with hundreds of others under the glow of the moon really kicks up the excitement. Plus, you’ll help raise funds for local charities!

Photo courtesy of Lunar Lunacy

Check back with Sports365 in August to see what activities I am most excited for…or plan ahead on your own by checking out Sacramento365.com’s Sports page!

***This blog was written by Sacramento365’s Content Specialist, Dylan Fisher.

This month, we connected with Calidanza’s Artistic Director to learn more about his life-long passion. As the leader of the Calidanza folk dance company, Valencia seeks to advance, celebrate, and preserve the culture of Latino, Chicano, and Native populations for generations. And he’s been pretty good at it. He’s worked and toured with some of the best instructors from across the border, choreographed traditional and modern professional productions in and around the Sacramento region, and was even awarded the 2011 Maestro Award from The Latino Arts Network of California for his efforts. What may be the most peculiar thing about Valencia’s success is that he juggles his time at Calidanza with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Read on and discover what quite literally moves our featured artist here.

California Musical Theatre’s (CMT) production of Hello, Dolly! is brisk, animated, and thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. Hello, Dolly! tells the tale of Dolly Levi, a matchmaker who rediscovers what love is truly about. This classic American comedy is sure to lift the audience’s spirit with fits of laughter. It was so much fun being surrounded by an audience who sang quietly or hummed along to every tune, laughing, smiling, and clearly enjoying every minute of the performance.

Photo by Kevin Graft

Of course, the key to an enjoyable production is the people behind it. Lynne Wintersteller (who plays the matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi) delivers each of her lines with perfect timing. She was funny, ironic, beautiful, and oozes charisma with every song, turn of a phrase, a flick of a hand, and even while comically stuffing food down her face. This is perfectly exemplified in the scene at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant when all the young men fall at her feet. While Winterstellar may have stolen the show, she is raised up by the immense talent that surrounds her.

Photo by Kevin Graft

The casting was also superb across the board; not a single actor felt out of place or unprepared for their role. There is palatable chemistry between Cornelius Hackl (played by John Scherer) and Irene Malloy (played by the stunning Jacquelyn Piro Donovan). The intricate net of crushes and schemers will have you on your tip toes until the play’s end. This group of talented actors, featuring many Music Circus veterans, puts on a show that you won’t want to miss!

Photo by Kevin Graft

While the choreography and staging was exemplary throughout, the performances of “The Waiters Gallop,” and “Hello, Dolly!” were my favorites. As the cast sings and dances across the stage, the members of the audience around me lit up with excitement and cheer. When a production has the power to do this you know it’s a great show.

Cheers to Director Glenn Casale, Choreographer Randy Slovacek, and Musical Director Craig Barna for putting together a fantastic show that did more than just cheer me up on a hot Tuesday night after a long day of work. I can’t recommend Music Circus’ production of Hello, Dolly! enough.

If you’re interested in learning more about this wonderful musical comedy, visit the musical’s listing on Sacramento365.com. The show will run until this Sunday, July 3, so make sure to get your tickets fast because soon Sacramento will be saying, “Goodbye, Dolly!”

***This blog was written by Sacramento365.com’s Content Specialist, Dylan Fisher.

Showing your national pride could never be more fun this Fourth of July weekend!

Not sure how to celebrate the USA’s birthday next Monday? Then check out this lineup of Independence Day events happening all over Sacramento. With amazing fireworks, spectacular parades, social festivities, and more, you’ll be eating, partying, and even running before and after the 4th of July.

Boom goes the dynamite:

Sacramento Independence Day CelebrationCal Expo; Mon 5pm~10pm
Come and enjoy the largest annual fireworks show in the region! This year’s event includes music from iHeartMedia stations, a new kids festival area, and even more food and fun!

Fourth on the FieldRaley Field; Mon 6pm-10pm
Celebrate the USA’s birthday at the ballpark! Bring your blankets and grab a spot on the field for food, fun and — of course — a killer fireworks show.

Salute to the Red White and BlueElk Grove Regional Park; Mon 4pm-10pm
Be a part of Elk Grove’s premier patriotic celebration marking the nation’s freedom! Along with fireworks, families can enjoy live music, great food, and games in the park.

Independence Day pomp and circumstance:

Spirit of Freedom 4th of July ParadeHowe Park; Mon 10am-1pm
See creative floats, patriotic bikes, decked-out classic cars in honor of America’s birthday. After following the parade route, Howe Park will be filled with informational booths, family activities, and food vendors.

City of Roseville 4th of July ParadeDowntown Roseville; Mon 9am-1pm
Come out for a parade and stay for the fun in Royer Park! Carnival games, bounce houses, food vendors, and music by the Capitol Pops Concert Band are just some of the festivities planned.

Other festive fun:

Folsom Pro RodeoDan Russell Rodeo Arena; Sat-Mon 6pm-10pm
Come experience a great American tradition! The Folsom Pro Rodeo has been kickin’ it for over 50 years. Don’t miss this fun family event that includes: bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, mutton busting, and a nightly fireworks show.

Red, White, and BrewsOld Sacramento; Sun 5pm-2am
Why wait for the fourth of July when you can party on the third? Old Sacramento bars will be celebrating the holiday early with a 15 bar crawl and $3 drink specials on American beers!

This Sunday it’s time to cheer for Sacramento’s doting dads and fabulous father figures! June 19 is Father’s Day, so why not give the men in your life — and maybe even yourself — a much needed day (or weekend) of fun.

Sacramento365.com has curated a short list of local outings that’ll help you give thanks all weekend long:

For the real-life superhero:Wizard World Comic Con SacramentoSacramento Convention Center; Fri 3pm-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-4pmThink your daddy-io has super powers? Let him show them off this weekend at the region’s ultimate gathering of sci-fi and animation fans!

For the foodie father:Father’s Day BBQ TrainSacramento RiverTrain; Sun 10am-1pm
Memories make the best gifts, so give the men in your life a Father’s Day adventure they won’t forget with a ride aboard the RiverTrain. Plus, they will appreciate the momentary break in BBQ duties!

For the auto aficionado:Dad’s Day at Denio’sDenio’s Farmers Market & Swap Meet; Sat 10am-2pmCelebrate early and bring the father’s in your life to Roseville for classic cars, craft beers, live music, and hand-dipped corn dogs!

Great RaceOld Sacramento; Sat ~5:15pm-8pmSee 120 of the world’s finest collector cars as they make a pit stop in the historic district; these classics will be making their way to Moline, Illinois along the famous Lincoln Highway.

Father’s Day Celebration at the California Automobile MuseumCalifornia Automobile Museum; Sun 10am-5pm
Along with receiving free admission, dads of all ages can take a free ride in one of the riverside museum’s hottest cars. Other automotive treats will be on hand to show ’em how much they mean to you!

For the sports lover:Maddbacker Celebrity Basketball GameSleep Train Arena; Fri 7pm
Does he love hoops? Take him out to celebrity game brings together 30 current and former professional athletes from around the country and includes many sports heroes from the greater Sacramento area.

Sacramento River Cats v. El Paso ChihuahuaRaley Field; Sun 1:05pm
Join the River Cats as they celebrate all things dad this Father’s Day! As well as peanuts, and Cracker Jack, families can enjoy a special pre-game barbecue.

To find even more Father’s Day festivities, visit the Sacramento365.com Holiday Events page. However you decide to celebrate the day, we hope you have a wonderful weekend!

***This blog post was written by Sacramento365.com’s Content and Social Media Coordinator, Jamila B. Khan.